Chapter 6 - Chromo Domain Proteins

Abstract

The chromo domain is an evolutionarily conserved protein module of ca. 40–60 amino acids occurring among chromosomal proteins in diverse eukaryotes. The chromo domain fold consists of three antiparallel beta strands packed against an alpha helix. In many cases, chromo domains have been found to selectively recognize and bind methyllysine residues via an aromatic cage created by the chromo domain fold. Chromo domain proteins are implicated in a number of nuclear transactions, most often involving transcription, but also DNA repair. Mutations in and/or reduced dosage of chromo domain proteins have been implicated in human diseases. Recent efforts have identified molecules with therapeutic potential that target chromo domains or their binding targets.